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Animal Rescue Jobs in Wilson, NC (NOW HIRING)

Supervise daily operations of animal housing areas to ensure they are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition. Ensure fresh water is available and easily accessible to each animal at all ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

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Animal Rescue information

See Wilson, NC salary details

$8

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Wilson, NC is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Wilson, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Wilson, NC are:
What cities near Wilson, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Wilson, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Wilson, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,267 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Part-Time Shelter Attendant

Nash County

Nashville, NC

$16/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

General Statement of Duties The Shelter Attendant is responsible for the overall care of all the animals within the shelter. The Responsibilities will vary based on the needs of the shelter. Essential Duties and Tasks Adhere to the cleaning procedures set forth by the Animal Control Supervisor for animal care, kennel maintenance, sanitation, parasite and disease control, and other animal care practices as instructed.

Responsible for maintaining the animal housing areas and the shelter as a whole in a clean and sanitary condition. This includes morning cleaning and disinfecting, and ongoing cleaning and maintenance throughout the day. Fresh water must be available and easily accessible to each animal at all times.

Maintain a humane and caring attitude at all times towards the animals in their care. Caretakers must be knowledgeable about proper handling and restraint of animals. Teasing, neglect or any instances of animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal.

Responsible for careful observation of animals in runs and cages throughout the day, to see that the animals are safe, healthy, and comfortable. Each animal should have access to clean and dry bedding. Responsible to promptly notify Animal Control Supervisor if any animal shows signs of stress, injury or illness.

Responsible for assisting in prompt and proper receiving and kenneling of new animals brought into the animal shelter. These duties include: Examining the animal for injuries, abnormalities, or signs of illness. Vaccinating each animal with appropriate vaccines, worming, applying flea and tick medications.

Taking intake photos for later use on social media and adoption sites. Placing animal in a clean kennel with water, food, and fresh bedding. Intake paperwork and logging of animal.

Placing name card on kennel. Responsible for assisting citizens in the kennel area looking for a lost pet or seeking to adopt an animal. Our goal is to increase the adoption rate and do all we can to ensure adopted animals are well matched with their new owners.

Caretakers are expected to be courteous to the public and give them accurate information about the animals in our care and the Animal Shelter. Must demonstrate a low level of absenteeism and tardiness as a condition of continued employment. We expect all our employees to share our sense of commitment to the animals in our care.

Performs other duties as assigned. There is never a time at an animal shelter when all the work is done and the animals have been given enough attention. Works cooperatively with volunteers in partnership to improve the quality of life for the resident animals.

Reports any problems or concerns to the Animal Control Supervisor rather than addressing a volunteer directly. Represents Animal Shelter in a professional manner at all times. Knowledges, Skills and Abilities Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Animal Shelter.

Highly motivated, out-going, polite, and professional manner. Team player, able to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task. Compassion for animals, comfortable working in a shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.

Knowledge of animal breeds and behaviors helpful. Basic office and computer skills. Animal care experience preferred.

Desirable Education and Experience Available to work daytime, evening, weekend and holiday shifts. Valid Driver's License. High School Diploma or Equivalent.